BERBERA, Somaliland (HornPost) A fishing vessel caught fire near Berbera’s fishing harbor on Friday, prompting a rapid emergency response by the Somaliland Coast Guard and other government agencies. Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported.
Berbera Mayor Mohamed Ibrahim Ismail (Dable), Somaliland Ports Authority Manager, and the Deputy Governor of Saaxil Region said the vessel had been moored for an extended period at the old harbor, locally known as (Port Xadiid), near Berbera’s fishing port when the fire broke out.
Authorities said the vessel was anchored away from Berbera’s main commercial port, helping prevent the blaze from threatening port operations or nearby infrastructure.
Mayor Dable said nearby fishing vessels were immediately moved away from the burning vessel to prevent the fire from spreading.
He also called on fishermen and small boat users to be extra careful, as it is the summer season and there are high winds.
“I call on small fishing boats to be extra careful, as we are in the summer season and there are high winds.”
The Mayor of Berbera, Mr. Mohamed Dable, said that an emergency response was launched at the scene, and the boat was towed from its anchorage to the ocean, to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby areas.
“Fortunately, a major response was launched, and the boat was successfully towed from its anchorage, to control the fire and prevent further damage.” Dable said
The Deputy Governor of Sahil Region, Mr. Mahmud Hindi, also said:
“Thank God, the fire was successfully controlled, the boat was towed from its anchorage, and it was extinguished here. That is how the operation ended.”
The Somaliland Coast Guard, supported by the Somaliland Ports Authority and other government agencies, successfully contained and extinguished the fire after an intensive response.
Officials confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and authorities are expected to investigate the incident.
Prepared by:
Horn Post Staff
BERBERA, Somaliland
